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e-news September 2010
Welcome to Community Connections.
To keep Community Connections of interest to the widest possible readership, we welcome for consideration news and information about initiatives, events and activities from all parts of the Synod. Regional contributions, and stories of how your congregation supports Living is Giving, are especially welcome. Send your material (maximum 150 words) to kima@nsw.uca.org.au.
This issue includes:
• Synod site wins silver at ARPA awards
• United call for a price on carbon
• MPs debate same-sex adoption bill
• Church leader says holy land faiths must cooperate
• September Insights: What's all this talk about the Syndey Alliance?
• Share your opinion and receive $70!
• Lost worlds: The Bible’s Buried Secrets
• South Korean pastor arrested after visiting the north
• Church groups call for plan to overcome poverty
EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES
• Human Rights & the Hospitality of God, September 13
• Presbytery Gathering/Fair, September 18
• Interfaith: Christian-Muslim dialogue, September 19
• The Asylum debate, September 21
• Social Justice Sunday, 2010, September 26
• Ministry in an urban context, September 28-30
LIVING IS GIVING: PRAYER POINTS AND RESOURCES
• Become a Living is Giving Partner
• Host your own Living is Giving presentation in 2010
NEWS AND INITIATIVES
As I write I am sitting at a desk in my room at the St Clements Retreat Centre just out of Galong, a beautiful spot for a retreat in the midst of rolling pastureland, out of range of internet and mobile phone connections. I am leading a Kaltara retreat for the Canberra Region Presbytery. READ ON
The major fundraising program of the Synod of New South Wales and the ACT, Living is Giving, has launched a secure online donation option, offering individuals the opportunity to make their own personal contributions over the internet.
Living is Giving supporters can now make fast and secure online payments by visiting the new and improved Living is Giving website, www.livingisgiving.nsw.uca.org.au.
The online donation option allows individuals to directly support the mission focus areas they feel passionate about, whether they be mission initiatives in new housing areas, training people for ministry, bringing the gospel to schools and universities, supporting drought-affected rural communities or continuing the life-saving work of Uniting Church Chaplains in hospitals, mental health facilities and prisons.
From the website, supporters can choose between a one-off or monthly donation.
Individuals who sign up to regular monthly donations become highly valued “Living is Giving Partners” and are regularly kept informed about their chosen ministry areas.
Individual contributions will help ensure that the mission and service of the Uniting Church continues well into the future. READ ON
Synod site wins silver at ARPA awards
The website of the Synod of New South Wales and the ACT (http://nsw.uca.org.au/) won second place in the Australasian Religious Press Association awards held in Hobart this month. Designed by Uniting Creative, the Synod site — and the accompanying daily news link page — is a one-stop shop for information about the Uniting Church, our Synod and religious news worldwide. Judges called it “easy to navigate” and enjoyed the “engaging, winning design”. Uniting Creative specialises in effective communications solutions for churches and not-for-profit organisations. We can build your site to accommodate specific functions. We also offer a suite of low-cost website templates for congregations and church organisations looking to start or upgrade their online presence. Contact Uniting Creative on 8267 4307 for a quote or to discuss your needs.
United call for a price on carbon
Environmentalists, unions and major church groups have put aside their differences to call for the federal government to introduce a price on carbon in 2011. READ ON
MPs debate same-sex adoption bill
A bill granting gay and lesbian couples the same rights under adoption law as heterosexual couples was passed narrowly by the NSW Legislative Assembly by a vote of 45 to 43. READ ON
Church leader says holy land faiths must cooperate
The head of the World Council of Churches has urged religious institutions and communities in the Middle East to work together for reconciliation and healing. READ ON
The Rev. Niall Reid, Moderator of the Synod of New South Wales and the ACT, has commended independent parliamentarian Rob Oakeshott for his “vision of a political system that is not rigidly adversarial but based on consensus decision-making”. READ ON Independent Oakeshott wants change in process of government. READ ON
September Insights: What’s all this talk about the Sydney Alliance?
Four presbyteries are involved. Over 50 congregations have had contact.
The Sydney Alliance — a coalition of faith groups, unions and community organisations working together for the benefit of civil society — enjoys a growing commitment from the Uniting Church in New South Wales and the ACT. What’s in it for us? And how can we use it to better support our community?
The previous occupations of reverends and the art of bell-ringing are also explored in the September issue. See www.insights.uca.org.au.
UnitingWorld asks that you consider supporting the emergency appeal launched by Act for Peace, the international aid agency of the National Council of Churches in Australia. READ ON
Share your opinion and receive $70!
Members, staff and friends of the Uniting Church are invited to share their opinion of financial institutions, services and products to help the Uniting Church. Group discussions with people aged 30-65 who currently invest will be held within the next two weeks in a convenient venue in the Sydney metropolitan area. Participants will receive $70 as thanks for their time and contribution, with the option to donate this to their chosen Uniting Church organisation.
Information received will be used to improve Uniting Financial Services’ products and services, and in so doing, to grow the funds available for mission and projects of the Uniting Church. Discussions will be facilitated by an independent researcher, with the information to be provided to Uniting Financial Services in an anonymous format.
Please RSVP as soon as possible to Essence Communications on 0409 237 242 or by email to lesley@essencecomms.com.au.
Lost worlds: The Bible’s Buried Secrets
In this two-part program screened over consecutive Sunday nights, The Bible’s Buried Secrets brings together decades of archaeological exploration and more than a century of meticulous literary research of the Holy Land. READ ON
South Korean pastor arrested after visiting the north
The Rev. Han Sang-ryeol, a Presbyterian pastor who campaigns for the reunification of his divided country and defied a South Korean law by visiting North Korea, has been arrested on his return. READ ON
Church groups call for plan to overcome poverty
Anglicare Australia, Catholic Social Services Australia, The Salvation Army and UnitingCare Australia have joined forces to call on the new government to develop a ten-year national plan to overcome poverty and disadvantage. READ ON
EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES
Human Rights & the Hospitality of God, September 13
Key speakers include: George Newlands (Formerly Professor of Divinity, Glasgow University, author of Christ & Human Rights Hospitality of God) and Mick Gooda (Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner for the Australian Human Rights Commission).
When: September 13, 9.30 am-4.00 pm
Where: Centre for Ministry, 16 Masons Drive, North Parramatta
Cost: $40 Waged / $25 Unwaged (includes lunch) UTC Students free (bring own lunch).
RSVP by: September 6 to davidr@nsw.uca.org.au
The Burdekin Uniting Church is hoping to purchase 10,000 “Green” shopping bags across the Uniting Church, by getting congregations to order in lots of 100 or 1,000! The bags will cost 70¢ each plus postage. At the moment Burdekin Uniting Church have expressions of interest for 5,000 – reaching the halfway mark. The bags will be available in 2011. A decision will be made on September 30. Can you help Burdekin Uniting Church get there? The Bags will be red in colour, with the Uniting Church logo in white and the phrase 'Following Jesus' below the logo. E-mail burdekinuc@bigpond.com to express an interest.
Presbytery Gathering/Fair, September 18
The September Presbytery Gathering will be in the form of a "Fair". General business of the presbytery meeting will be attended to during the course of the day.
There will be a large variety of stalls set up providing information on the work and activities of the Presbytery, Synod and the Assembly.
When: Saturday 18th September, 9.30 am to 4 pm.
Where: Merewether Uniting Church, 178 Glebe Road, Merewether.
All welcome!
Lunch will be available for $10 per person.
RSVP by Friday, September 10 to 4908 0888 or emailoffice@hunter.uca.org.au
Interfaith: Christian-Muslim dialogue, September 19
The Synod of NSW and the ACT Uniting Church Interfaith Committee welcomes Uniting Church members interested in visiting the Auburn Gallipoli Mosque at their annual open day.
Those interested in going as a group can meet at the corner of Dartbrook Rd and Gelibolu Pde Auburn at 11 am or at 12 pm. Auburn Gallipoli Mosque Open Day
When: Sunday September 19, 10 am-4 pm
For further details contact Stewart on 0401 514 123 or email samills1@yahoo.co.uk
The Asylum debate, September 21
A Q&A-style panel discussion on a controversial issue with international experts on refugee law: Prof. Guy Goodwin-Gill, Oxford, UK; Prof Geoff Gilbert, Essex, UK; Prof Kate Jastram, Berkeley, USA; and Associate Prof Jane McAdam, UNSW.
Time: 6:15 pm-8:00 pm September 21. Cost is free.
Venue: The Law Theatre, Law Building, The University of New South Wales, Kensington Campus
Enquiries: Faculty of Law (02) 9385 9531
Social Justice Sunday, 2010, September 26
The National Council of Churches' Social Justice Sunday resource is now available to church members. Social Justice Sunday falls on the last Sunday in September, each year, with this year being the 26th.The theme this year marks the end of the Decade to Overcome Violence, a World Council of Church initiative, and is titled: 'Peace be with you: Witnessing to peace in a violent world'. The resource combines information and prayers on a range of peacemaking issues. A pdf version will be available to download shortly from the NCCA website: http://ncca.org.au/departments/social-justice. Hard copies can be ordered, free of charge, from UnitingJustice by calling 8267 4236 or email: unitingjustice@nat.uca.org.au.
Social justice Sunday resources are currently available from here: http://www.unitingjustice.org.au/resources/internationaldayofpeace.html
Ministry in an urban context, September 28-30
Congregations in the heart of the city face a host of challenges and opportunities. This gathering of leaders from Uniting Church congregations is an opportunity to explore the unique situation of the city church, and network and learn from others. It includes plenaries (with Tim Costello, Steve Taylor and city planners) and workshops on a wide range of topics. Held on September 28-30 at the Scots Church Adelaide, registration is $125, billet accommodation available. Convenors include: the Rev Dr Dean Eland, the Rev Dr Peter Trudinger. For information and registration see the website or email citychurch2010@scotschurch.org or call 08 8223 1505.
LIVING IS GIVING: PRAYER POINTS AND RESOURCES
Become a Living is Giving Partner
The key to unlocking a world full of possibilities is your hands when you become a Living is Giving Partner.
Now you can now make your own secure, personal donation to Living is Giving ... online.
When you make a monthly contribution you become an important partner of Living is Giving.
From as little as $4 a week you can choose from a variety of mission focus areas that reflect your passions and hope for the Uniting Church’s future.
From empowering the vulnerable and needy to giving children a voice in the church, our mission is bringing messages of hope, solidarity and love to the world.
Unfortunately, contributions to Living is Giving still can’t match the increasing cost of many mission activities, which means a leaner Synod budget and an uncertain situation for many of the church’s ministries in the coming years.
Individual contributions will help ensure that the mission and service of the Uniting Church continues well into the future.
So give today, give generously and help spread the good news of God revealed in Jesus Christ.
Visit www.livingisgiving.nsw.uca.org.au to make your contribution!
For more information, contact Kim Almarza on 8267 4475 or kima@nsw.uca.org.au.
Host your own Living is Giving Presentation in 2010
Want to know how you can unlock a world of mission work that's full of possibilities. To find out how we invite you to host a free Living is Giving presentation. Our passionate presenters are happy to come to worship services and speak about their work or Living is Giving in general. Living is Giving provides you and your congregation with the opportunity to share the Christian message of hope and love with your community within and beyond the Uniting Church. This is a great way to connect with the mission focus areas you support. For more information please call Kimberly Almarza on 8267 4475.
Prayer points and praise points
Each year Living is Giving continues to advance the church’s mission work in ways that have changed many lives for the better. The current year, 2010-11, already looks exciting, with new ventures and significant achievements. Contributions by congregations and individuals through Living is Giving have helped make these activities possible.
Pray and give thanks for:
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To our Uniting Church Mental Health Chaplains who bring God’s love, grace and hope to some of the most vulnerable people in our community.
Please make Mental Health Month part of your prayers in October, particularly prayers on the work done by our mental health professionals.
Mental Health Month, running during the month of October, will ask us all how we can be better friends.
Mental Health Association NSW (MHA) Ambassador, Greg Wilson, knows all about the power of good friends.
“I have come to appreciate more than ever that true success and happiness come only in the presence of loyal and true friends,” says Mr Wilson, an accomplished artist and mental health advocate from the Hunter Valley.
Good friends are being celebrated during Mental Health Month NSW 2010. This year is focusing on the theme "Good friends help us bounce back". Friends are an important source of social support during tough times, providing practical help, a listening ear, information and advice.
Mental Health Month NSW (formerly Mental Health Week NSW) aims to promote social and emotional wellbeing. The month of October will see community groups all over the state stage their own Mental Health Month events to promote wellbeing and improve mental health literacy. It’s an opportunity for all residents of NSW to think about their own resilience and what resources they can use and build on to support them when times are tough.
A highlight of the month long campaign will be the official launch of Mental Health Month on October 12 from 11 am to 2.30 pm in Church St Mall, Parramatta. All are welcome to attend this free and enjoyable event. For more information about events happening across the state visit www.mentalhealth.asn.au.
You can read more about these mission focus areas and other activities by clicking here.
To find out more about Living is Giving visit: http://livingisgiving.nsw.uca.org.au.
Studying journalism, graphic design or communications and would like to offer your skills to Insights? Go to http://news.nsw.uca.org.au/employment/2009/graduates-students.htm to learn how.
Don’t forget about the Moderator’s Drought Appeal. Your donation will help provide counselling, chaplaincy services and emergency relief to drought-affected people.
CONTACT US: unitingcreative@nsw.uca.org.au
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